MLB Player News

The Reds are expected to designate Fairchild for assignment Thursday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Even though Austin Hays (calf) is set to open the season on the injured list, the Reds won't keep Fairchild on hand as outfield depth. Instead, Cincinnati will keep Jacob Hurtubise and Blake Dunn on the Opening Day roster as reserve options in the outfield behind projected starters TJ Friedl and Jake Fraley, while utility players Gavin Lux and Santiago Espinal could also see time in left field during Hays' upcoming absence. Fairchild struggled to a .215/.286/.368 slash line in 233 plate appearances with Cincinnati in 2024 and didn't fare any better this spring with a .417 OPS and 28.9 percent strikeout rate over 45 plate appearances in the Cactus League.

Dunn has made the Reds' Opening Day roster, Charlie Goldsmith of the Dayton Daily News reports.

Dunn earned a spot by producing a .340/.404/.574 batting line during Cactus League play. The 26-year-old could see some action in left field for the Reds while Austin Hays (calf) is shelved.

Steer (shoulder) will be available for the Reds in Thursday's season opener versus the Giants, Charlie Goldsmith of Charlie's Chalkboard reports.

The Reds had said previously that Steer would open the season on the 10-day injured list, but he's shown enough improvement with his right shoulder injury that he'll avoid an IL stint. Steer still isn't able to play the field, so he will be limited to designated-hitter duties initially.

The Reds placed Hays on the 10-day injured list Wednesday due to a low-grade left calf strain, Charlie Goldsmith of the Dayton Daily News reports.

Manager Terry Francona isn't expecting a lengthy stay on the shelf for Hays, who could be activated April 3 when first eligible. Gavin Lux could make starts in left field against right-handed pitching while Hays is out, with Blake Dunn also in the mix for at-bats.

Betts (illness) said Tuesday that he'll be able to play in the Dodgers' home opener Thursday against Detroit, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Betts missed the Dodgers' first two regular-season games against the Cubs in Tokyo, Japan, due to an illness that caused him to lose nearly 20 pounds. However, he was able to participate in Tuesday's exhibition game against the Angels and went 0-for-3 while starting at shortstop. Betts said that making it through that contest was enough for him to be confident that he will be ready to play Thursday. Fantasy managers who roster Betts should thus plan to have him in their lineups, though it remains to be seen whether the illness will affect Betts' play to any extent in the early going.

Lord has made the Nationals' Opening Day roster, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Lord has predominately been a starter in the minors and could still return to that role, but the Nationals have opted to include him on their Opening Day roster in a long-relief role. The 25-year-old will be making his major-league debut if and when he gets into a game.

The Marlins acquired Phillips from the Phillies on Wednesday in exchange for cash considerations, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Phillips doesn't have any minor-league options remaining, so he will report to the big club and will be part of the Marlins' Opening Day roster. While Phillips may work out of the Miami bullpen initially, he'll likely be in the mix for starts at some point, given that the team's rotation depth has already been tested by spring injuries to Ryan Weathers (forearm) and Edward Cabrera (finger). Over eight appearances (seven starts) for the Phillies in 2024, Phillips submitted a 6.87 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 28:7 K:BB.

The Giants optioned McCray to Triple-A Sacramento on Tuesday.

McCray had a shot to be the team's Opening Day center fielder if Jung Hoo Lee (back) wasn't ready, but Lee is healthy now, and McCray will begin the year in the minors. He collected a .617 OPS across 37 contests for the Giants last season.

The Giants optioned Wisely to Triple-A Sacramento on Tuesday.

Wisely competed for a utility role this spring and hit well with an .835 OPS, but the Giants ultimately chose against including him on the Opening Day roster. The 25-year-old will play all over the diamond while at Sacramento.

The Brewers announced Wednesday that Collins will be included on the Opening Day roster, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Collins brings good speed to the table and has the ability to play the outfield as well as second base and third base, all of which were factors in the Brewers' decision to carry him on the Opening Day roster as a bench player. He posted a .329 OPS over 11 games in the majors in 2024 and is unlikely to see significant playing time while he's up with Milwaukee.